Historic Nantucket, July 1960, Vol. 8 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

NANTUCKET IN WHALING DAYS. From an Old Photograph.

JULY, 1960 ANNUAL REPORTS NUMBER Published Quarterly by

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

Our Native Isle

BY SUSAN BARNARD CROSBY-LOWDEN

To thee our native Isle, We bring our humble lay, Fond memories of thy annals past, Are clustered round this day.

We love thee, native Isle, Thy shores by ocean laved, Thy noble dames and sturdy sires, Who many a conflict braved.

How green thy moors and hills, Thy flora brightest hue, Thy sands so clean 'neath ocean's wave, Thy skies are heaven's own blue.

As time with ruthless hand, Makes earth by changes sure, Thy sacred records still shall stand, We've made them most secure.

God bless thee, native Isle, Through ages yet to come, Historic emblems still preserve, And keep them safe from harm.

Today our hearts are glad, For He has blessed our aim, Then let us in His name rejoice, Through days and years to come.

(These verses were written for the Annual Meeting, 1906)

HISTORIC NANTUCKET Published quarterly and devoted to the preservation of Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious past as a whaling port.

VOLUME 8

JULY 1960

No. 1

CONTENTS Our Native Isle, by Mrs. Susan Barnard Crosby-Lowden

82

Everett U. Crosby. (1871-1960)

84

Message from the President of the Historical Association

86

Annual Reports

8.8

-

The Historic Nantucket Print, by Ruth Haviland Sutton

95

Annual Reports (continued)

99

-

Gifts and Donors

104

Recent Events Briefly Noted

107

Marcel E. A. Gouin (1900-1960)

109

Nantucket Historical Association Officers and Staff

110

Legacies and Bequests

Ill

Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts^ by the Nantucket Historical Association. It is sent to Association Members. Extra copies $.50 each.

Membership dues are — Annual-Active $2.00; Sustaining $10.00; Life—one payment $50.00.

Entered as Second Class Matter, July, 1953, at the Post Office, Nantucket, Massachusetts Copyright 1960

Nantucket

Historical Association.

Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

83

84

The Late Everett U. Crosby (born April 2, 1871—died June 4, 1960)

85

In Memoriam EVERETT U. CROSBY The Association has lost one of its most valued members and long-time Vice-President through the death of Everett U. Crosby on June 4, 1960.

A member for many years, Mr. Crosby was elected in 1937 to the Council and Vice-Presidency and continued in that capacity until his death. Up to the last few years, when his health for­ bade, he was a vigorous and vitally interested member at Council meetings, acting first on the Old Mill Committee and later as Chairman of the Fair Street Museum.

In 1942 with Curator Adams he rearranged many of the museum exhibits into various groups, which he listed and described in a pamphlet entitled "A Guide to Several Interesting Exhibits".

Through the years he devoted much time and thought to neces­ sary revisions of Constitution and By-Laws, to fire protection for the several museum buildings, and to many other problems.

The establishment in 1953 of the "1800 House" was due to Mr. Crosby's efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Allan Melhado generously donated the house next to their mansion "Moors End" to the Historical Association, and with financial help from interested friends Mr. Crosby restored the property, setting it up as a res­ idence as it could have appeared in 1800. Furnishings of that period already owned by the Association were placed in the house together with others specially contributed, and it was opened as another exhibition. Mr. Crosby supplied very comprehensive pamphlets describing the house and contents.

As the author of "Ninety Five Per Cent Perfect", Mr. Crosby in 1937 received an honorary membership in the American Insti­ tute of Architects, and this book about Nantucket architecture was followed closely by other writings on Nantucket subjects, many of which have been published in the Proceedings of the Association. They include the following: "Nantucket Silver"; "Nantucket's Underground Moon" ; "Nantucket Weather"; "Light­ ship Baskets"; "Discoverers of Nantucket"; "Three Men and Three Centuries"; "The Whale Ear Bone"; "Ship Spermo of Nantucket", and "Coatue", written in his 90th year, which ap­ peared in the April, 1960 issue of Historic Nantucket.

Everett U. Crosby was a devoted friend, whose genuine and constructive interest in the activities of the Association and of the whole Island will be greatly missed.

M.M.C.

A Message from Our President

Front of the Hose House from Gardner Street.

"Had I realized how important it was to have become I would have saved it. It was in poor repair and I unthinkingly destroyed it."

How often these words or thoughts come into our lives!

We fail to realize the value things may have to the next and succeeding generations.

Through house on the to be thought be torn down

unseeing familiarity the fire-engine and hose-cart corner of Gardner and Howard streets had come of as just a building in poor repair; something to and removed from the premises.

As a result of the foresight of some of the Council members and the generosity of the owner, Miss Edith Bartlett, who pre­ sented it to the Association, this building which has an inter­ esting history connecting it with the Nantucket Fire Department is to be preserved.

To put an old structure into its original condition requires careful thought and planning. It requires the desire to do some­ thing worthwhile and to bring the plans to completion it requires money.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

87

This work must be done by friends of Nantucket who are interested in preserving for years to come those bits of old Nantucket which have withstood the growth and moderniza­ tion constantly taking place.

After a careful study of the building and a series of esti­ mates submitted by several contractors the cost of repairs and reconstruction was determined to be more than a new building of this size would cost.

It is anticipated that the complete restoration will amount to between four and five thousand dollars.

So far we have had the land and building donated and cash subscriptions given and pledged to over $2,000.00.

The Council has decided that work must await the money to pay for it and will be dependent on cash on hand.

If a substantial part of che necessary funds are received it is contemplated to start work on the project this fall.

Completion of the work will be dependent upon the generosity of our many friends and members.

George W. Jones President

Rear of the Fire House from "Macy's Court" or Howard Street.

88

Annual Reports The annual meeting of the members of the Association is scheduled to be held Tuesday, July 19, 1960, and to expedite the procedure, reports of Chairmen and Treasurer are recorded here.

If any member has questions regarding the reports he may present such questions during the business meeting. The Presi­ dent's report will be presented at the meeting. *

*

*

*

In 1908 the President of the Nantucket Historical Associa­ tion, Alexander Starbuck, wrote, "We are forcibly reminded in scanning the list of those who have passed over into the Great Beyond that there are among our membership some whose — ".. . Way of life Has passed into the sere, the yellow leaf . . ." and how advisable it is to make especial effort that the coming generations develop among its numbers some whose sympathies are with our dear Island and who believe that one of the best ways to make its present and future respected is to honor and cherish the memory of its past."

With history jetting into unlimited space at speeds which are beyond our imagining what words could be more applicable?

Let us think of these things during this day of the Annual Meeting and build for the untrammeled future on the solid rock of well demonstrated past accomplishments.

Membership Report July 1, 1959 to June 1, 1960

New Members — Life Franklin Folger Webster, III Miss Edith Bartlett

Paul C. Webster

New Members — Annual Mr. Errol Coffin Mrs. Errol Coffin Mr. Edward Colcord Mr. Thomas J. Kennedy Mr. David H. Lasker

Mr. Eben P. Lufkin Mrs. Marie Tylee McHugh Mr. Frank Sylvia Mr. Gleed Thompson Mrs. Gleed Thompson

We are saddened by the loss through death of the following members: Mr. Phillip Moss Blossom Mrs. Susan B. Fuller Vice-Adm. Marcel E. A. Gouin Mr. Peter Hussey

Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Mrs.

Fredrik Fischer-Meyer George Richmond Frank Ramsdell William A. Smith

ANNUAL REPORTS Mrs. Peter Hussey Mr. Bassett Jones Mrs. Hugh MacDougall Miss Florence Mitchell Mrs. Clarence Bunker

89

Dr. A. Warren Stearns Miss Georgia A. Squires Mrs. R. S. Silsbee Mr. William Tripp Mrs. Alice Steere

The total membership June 1, 1960 is as follows: Life — 150 Sustaining — 66 Annual — 854 Total membership — 1070 These figures do not include three resignations received and seventy delinquent members. It has long been a policy that when no reply is received following a second notice and reason­ able waiting period members are dropped from the active list.

Reinstatement may be made at any time upon receipt of dues.

Since it is the membership which supports our organization and enables us to keep the exhibits well cared for, and as you all know, this is expensive both in time and money, we hope that each member will interest one other in becoming a member in 1960.

The Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER, CHAIRMAN

The Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House had a busy summer during the anniversary year.

Our usual efficient staff, Miss Alma Robbins, Miss Alice Crocker, and Miss Bertha Eckert answered countless questions about the collections in general as well as furnishing specific answers to genealogical inquiries. Miss Crocker, our librarian, with her many years of experience, is able to search and find much detailed family data even when the names and dates given to her are a little sketchy. Letters requesting facts regarding forefathers as well as personal interviews and searching of rec­ ords were especially frequent during the 1959 year and thanks to Miss Crocker's familiarity with our records all received quick and capable response.

Mr. Jay Gibbs was most faithful in keeping the grounds neat and in good order as well as opening the Meeting House for the services held by visiting Friends during July and August.

Two major repairs were made during the summer. An en­ tirely new roof replaced the old one on the Museum. This was essential as leaks had been frequent for some time and but for careful watching inestimable damage might have been done to

90

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

the exhibits. A new water service was installed from the street since that was the area where the old pipes gave way com­ pletely. There have been a few minor repairs, a few discolored spots painted, in an effort to keep both the Museum and Meet­ ing House in good condition for the Sunday services and the display of the many fine acquisitions, both old and new, which interest so many of Nantucket's first family descendants and the general public.

We are especially grateful to Mr. Allen McGarvey, who does the repairs for the Historical Association, for responding promptly to emergency calls about leaks, sticking doors, and many other ills of an old building housing old but precious possessions.

There were 3,642 admissions to the Museum during the year. Of these 2,937 were paid admissions, the balance, Associa­ tion members, and children under twelve years who are admitted free.

The most cursory glance at our registration book gives in­ teresting facts for we find that our visitors came from Norway, Switzerland, Scotland, England, France, Japan, and Bermuda, as well as Canada, and represented all sections of our neighboring country: Montreal, Quebec, Halifax, New Brunswick, Ottawa, just to mention a few.

From Maine to California; from Oregon to Florida people traveled toward Nantucket during 1959. Many of them had names which fill the pages of the very original record books. If their names had been changed through the years their interest in Nantucket had not; they were keen to see the family portraits, the marriage records, the mementoes from South Sea voyages, and the, often beautiful, family treasures which are exhibited.

Our first visitors for 1960 were the members of the sixth grade from the Academy Hill school with their instructor, Mr. Antone Dias. These young ladies and gentlemen comported them­ selves with decorum and to our delight showed alert interest, (even taking notes), in both the Museum and the Meeting House!

We hope to welcome many visitors this season and anticipate the enthusiasm and pleasant surprise many will have as they learn more of Nantucket's past from this present exhibit.

On June 12th we held open house. All were welcome without charge or card and, as in the past, many townspeople took ad­ vantage of the opportunity before the influx of summer visitors kept them too busy. June 13th was our opening date and we hope for weather which will encourage many interested visitors during the summer both in the Museum and at the beaches!

ANNUAL REPORTS

91

1800 House

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER, CHAIRMAN

Mrs. Susan Cowden, as in former years, welcomed all vis­ itors and with her volunteer hostesses wore costumes of the 1850's which added much to the 300th Birthday Celebration.

The hostesses, Mrs. Charles Amey, Mrs. J. B. Ashley, Mrs. Grace Brownell, and Mrs. George A. Clapp were as usual faith­ ful and enthusiastic, contributing greatly to the charming at­ mosphere of the old home with its furnishings of an earlier era; a time of more gracious living. Our sincere appreciation is extended to them.

During the year a few necessary repairs were undertaken, and a fine donation of several pieces of furniture in excellent condition improves the appearance of the house.

Although the "1800 House" is off the beaten "track" those persons who do visit it find that it offers much of interest.

Early in the year Mrs. Franklin Bartlett found that she was unable to continue the chairmanship of the house and it was with much regret that her resignation was accepted.

We look forward to another successful year and hope all will visit the "1800 House".

The Oldest House

BY MRS. RUTH PERKINS, CHAIRMAN

1959 was a gala season for the Oldest House for during the 300th anniversary celebration of the settlement of Nantucket the Coffin Family Reunion, which had a large attendance and was a highly successful event, centered about the Oldest House, the home of their ancestors. All members of the Coffin Family who registered for the three days of the reunion were admitted to the House without charge and many returned again and again to tread the floors their forebears had trod.

Thanks are extended to Mrs. Mary Coffin Pease for her efforts in providing wild flowers which were arranged in the several rooms of the house. The flowers helped to brighten the old house in a manner similar to the way in which Mary Coffin, Mrs. Pease's ancestor, must have kept her home bright and cheerful.

Miss Ethel Clark, attired in costume of the 1800's, served as custodian, and Mrs. Laura Pease served as her relief in welcoming visitors enthusiastically.

During the 1959-60 season the total number of visitors to

HISTORIC NANTUCKET 92 the Oldest House was 5,775. This figure includes 4,829 paid ad­ missions, ,831 children, 115 members, and 231 members of the Coffin family.

The pictures of the Coffin Family Reunion that appeared in "Look" magazine, September, 1959, included the Oldest House which made an appropriate background and has added to the interest in the House for the many descendants of the Coffin family. Their continued interest and support is always appreci­ ated and we feel sure that it is a rewarding experience for them as for the general public who visit the Oldest House each year.

The Old Mill

BY ROBERT CALDWELL, CHAIRMAN

The summer season of 1959 proved to be a most interesting one at the Old Mill. Under the able leadership of Mr. John Greene, Custodian, and Mr. Franklin Lamb, Miller, the Mill, for the first time in many years, was displayed in action.

Finally, after much letter writing and many phone calls, we were able to secure some Argentine corn for grinding. The sails were put up early in the season and when the wind was right the wheels turned and the corn was made into meal. The latter was sold for twenty-five cents a bag and there is still some available for any persons who may be interested.

In preparing for the 300th Anniversary Celebration the Old Mill was repaired extensively — put into first-class shape bj the expert work of Mr. Joseph Senecal, and received a fresh coat of paint at the hands of Mr. Allen McGarvey. We hope that there will be sufficient financial support to enable us to continue giinding this fine grade of meal for the many visitors who enjoy seeing our exhibit.

The Old Jail

BY OSWELL SMALL, CHAIRMAN

nm ?U!inoothe.u1959 summer there were 1871 visitors to the Old Jail, 29 with membership cards, 10 less than last season.

There were _25 less paid visitors perhaps due to weather condibeen

^ H*

cond*tion.

This past winter the door has

Mr CW P°v OGEN installed t0 strengthen the fence.

61 aunc e todian and ha j ' Sr. has done a marvelous job as cusseason for even better bett^ season than flast °r the I or an an even year

of

I960. We hope

ANNUAL REPORTS

93

Advertising and Publicity

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

The advertising program was divided, as in past years, into three classifications namely; (1) local newspapers; (2) maga­ zines and directories: (3) cards and leaflets. Booklets for each of the Association's museums and buildings, bulletins and the new publication, "Rambles through the Historic Nantucket Dis­ trict", are not included under this heading as they are handled by the Publications Committee.

Paid advertisements in the local newspapers covered the opening dates, weekly and hourly schedules and admission charges for our exhibits. Special advertisements were run in July and August for the six lectures held as Whaling Seminars under the 300th Anniversary program. The Annual Meeting was covered by the usual legal notice and a display advertisement, announcing the lecture program. Finally the Winter Gam was announced by a small advertisement.

Magazine and Directory advertising was limited to three publications, "Nantucket Holiday" published weekly during the summer months carried a half-page advertisement in each issue.

Listings for our six exhibits were placed in the "New England Council" summer directory, an annual publication, and a listing was placed in "Antiques Magazine" summer directory.

Cards and leaflets included the cardboard printed "Admis­ sion Schedule" for the season giving data on opening dates, weekly and hourly schedules and admission fees. These were distributed for seasonal display by the hotels, guest houses, res­ taurants, clubs and businesses of the Island.

A "Cordial Welcome Folder" inviting Island visitors to visit our buildings was distributed again through the hotels. This leaf­ let accompanied by our folder describing our exhibits, a copy of "Main Street", and "Rambles" is placed in each guest room for each new occupant. It has proven very popular and undoubt­ edly brings business to our exhibits. Our exhibits continue to distribute "Main Street" which always receives a cordial welcome from the public.

News stories were released almost weekly to the two local papers and one off-Island paper having a local circulation. Fig­ ured at the per column inch advertising rate of each paper the published stories resulting (at no cost to the Association) had a value of almost $800 in local papers, which was well in excess

94

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

of the local advertising expenses. The off-Island placed publicity slightly exceeded this amount. News stories appearing in "Nan­ tucket Holiday" and the 300th Anniversary news releases ap­ pearing in many of the country's leading newspapers are not included in these figures. The latter, included many pictures of our exhibits, reached a large audience.

Advertising and publicity for an historic association must be historically instructive and presented in a dignified manner but in such form as to create public interest in competition with advertising of the modern-day form of entertaining. It has been our effort to maintain such a standard and we believe the re­ sults prove the soundness of this policy and the manner in which the advertising appropriation was spent.

The Whaling Museum

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

The summer of 1959 was an unusually successful season for the Museum from many viewpoints. Paid admissions increased to such an extent that Mrs. Herbert W. Foye, receptionist, was prompted to engage in some research as to the attendance.

During the 1959 summer season, May 30th to October 12th, paid admissions numbered 19,568 persons. This was in excess of any year since the opening of the Museum except for 1957 when paid admissions numbered 20,118 persons. Paid admissions do not tell the whole story as to total admissions, for members are admitted free as well as children under 12 years of age. While no record is kept of these two categories they are known to run into substantial figures.

Where did all these people come from is a natural inquiry.

Mrs. Foye's analysis of the "Guests' Registry Book" develops interesting facts. Visitors are not required to sign the register, but many do voluntarily, giving their name and home address.

This past summer approximately 4,600 persons signed which was about 23 percent of the paid admissions. Represented in the register were 39 states and the District of Columbia. The Ha­ waiian Islands and Alaska did not appear but it is known that they were represented by visitors. The nine states not registered and not known to have been represented were Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

(Annual Reports Continued on Page 99).

95

The Historic Nantucket Print

BY RUTH HAVILAND SUTTON

This composite architectural arrangement (on the following pages) of historic items of Nantucket is the result of long and affectionate acquaintance.

To attempt a detailed description of this print would be to write a history of the Island and its development; however, visual history is shown here that spans three centuries from 1659 to the present day. The Oldest House extant is dated 1686, the newest building is the Nantucket Cottage Hospital, 1957, which combines traditional architecture and modern equipment.

This is purely a decorative arrangement; no building is placed as to its physical or actual relation to other buildings. The old houses on the outskirts of town face south, taking advantage of sun and wind, meeting the "sheep storms" of winter. Many of the buildings are still used for their original purpose, — or as museums.

Nantucket may be called the "Little Gray Lady", but a sur­ prising amount of color occurs in wooden house and trim, and in the old brick structures. These soft colors are a lovely foil for the silvered shingles, the white paint, and the green foliage.

In this print are shown the churches, the museums, several of the public buildings, and examples of the different styles of archi­ tecture ranging from the lean-to through the Classic periods.

Gathering material involved field trips, and the posing of kind friends, the searching of files and personal photograph albums.

Because Nantucket is a going concern, not a museum or restoration, many buildings have been adapted to contemporary use from functional aspects of the past. There is a blending of the old and new in the accessories, the incidental items that give life to the surroundings. Modern plumbing supplants the well-sweep, the pump in the side yard, and the little house "out back", but unobtrusive examples of these indispensables are to be found.

(Continued on Page 98).

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET (Continued from Page 95).

When we see the Life Saving Crew with hand-pulled gear, the horse-drawn vehicles, the accommodating train stopping for flower pickers, we may think back to a more leisurely time, but much enterprise, industry, and intellectual attainments were de­ veloped in that leisurely time. There was inventive genius, know­ ledge of astronomy, diplomatic and executive skill, as well as the silversmith's and craftsman's skill. People lived here whose integrity carried round the world, people whose ability and daring in exploration and discovery had a very real part in shaping the beginnings of the country.

The Old Mill, dated 1746, and still grinding corn, was in use more than a generation before the American Revolution.

The Boston Tea Party of that conflict was very close to Nan­ tucket; the names of the three Nantucket ships participating, "Dartmouth", "Eleanor", "Beaver", are now to be seen on the Pacific Club, in that day the Rotch warehouse, at the foot of Main Street.

Such was the known quality of the whale oil used for making candles, that there were orders received specifying "Folger oil" and "Starbuck oil." Walter Folger, the genius who lived at 8 Pleasant Street, designed by geometrical computation the huge bulging casks in which the oil was stored in the holds of the square-rigged vessels that came from "round the Horn." Stem­ ming from the cooper's craft is the craft of making Light-ship Baskets, an art peculiar to Nantucket. Lumber for the Starbuck houses, the Three Bricks on Main Street, was brought in on the Starbuck ships, and stored for a year in a heated building to ensure proper seasoning. In this day of diesel travel, we may forget the steamboats with the walking beam (fascinating term), but these boats came across the Sound from "America" to the Island. On one boat this sign was posted, "No dogs allowed abaft this shaft."

Looking at this composite arrangement brings to mind the strong personalities who lived in these houses or who worked in these public buildings, people to whom we could look and from whom we could learn much.

ANNUAL REPORTS

99

(Continued from Page 94).

Further analysis disclosed that 18 foreign countries were registered namely, England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Den­ mark, Holland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Australia, Japan, Okinawa, Pitcairn Island, South Africa, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Canada with every one of its provinces represented.

Unregistered but known to have been represented were Sweden and New Zealand.

The Museum's 133 logbooks and 152 account books and let­ ter books draw to the library many persons engaged in research.

They come from near and far as this year proved by researchers from Martha's Vineyard, New York City, Annapolis and three from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Many of these people are not just transient visitors as evi­ denced by the number who joined the Association by filing their applications and paying dues at the reception desk. Sixty-three persons joined the Association in this way, 59 became annual members and four took out Life Memberships. This was a new record for it was well over twice the number in any previous year except for 1955 when 38 new members enrolled at the Museum. The average number for the previous eight years was 22 for each year.

The five Whale Craft Shops opened for the first time last summer proved to be outstanding exhibits. This year they will be found to offer new features. During the winter the exhibits have been rearranged so as to present a more easily understood and instructive picture of the hundreds of tools and their uses.

The tools have been labelled and in many instances-their uses are explained. Many additions have been included in the re­ arranged exhibits of which an outstanding example is an old foot-pedal lathe used by both carpenters and ship builders. This latter, installed in the whale boat shop, may well date back to the early 1700's if not before.

Last year's official family will be back on the job again this year. Mrs. Herbert Foye will be at the reception desk to welcome

100

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

visitors and answer questions about the scrimshaw and counting rooms. Bertram E. Morris will be in charge again of the Whale Craft Shops.

"Archie" Cartwright, the last Nantucket man to go whaling, will serve again as Custodian. His principal job will be to pilot visitors through Sanderson Hall and to tell about the exhibits and whaling stories as only an experienced whaler with a good sense of humor can tell them. Mrs. Ellen Chace who knows the log books, whaling records and files as no one else knows them, will again have charge of the Library.

James Everett Chapel will serve again as a relief staff mem­ ber. Native born, he tells, from personal knowledge and his fa­ miliarity with Nantucket history, stories which never fail to hold the visitor's attention. The Museum will miss Mrs. Elmer F. Pease, who finds it impossible to serve again this year as a relief staff member. It is announced with pleasure that her suc­ cessor will be Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey who knows the Museum well, having served at one time as Librarian.

Truly it is said that in the whaling days of the seventeen and eighteen hundreds Nantucketers sailed the oceans and seas of the world and roamed many foreign lands. Now the tide has turned, as the past season at the Whaling Museum proves, for the world is now voyaging to Nantucket for its historic fame and its architectural preservation unequalled in this hemisphere draw people like a magnet. The Whaling Museum is one of the leading attractions to these visitors. Its staff members recognize their responsibility as public representatives of the Island. They deserve a great deal of credit for the public good will and friend­ ship they have built up through able management and the warm and cordial welcome extended to visitors.

101

Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet May 31, 1960

Exhibit A Assets Free Funds Pacific National Bank Nantucket Institution for Savings Sidney Mitchell Fund Mary E. Macy Fund Maria Mitchell Starbuck Fund

$ 3,838.37 8,324.20 3,000.00 500.00 3,000.00

Total Less—Unexpended Special Funds

18,662.57 176.00

Total Available Funds Land, Buildings and Collections Fair Street Old Mill Oldest House Whaling Museum Old Jail 1800 House West York Street (land) Collections Furniture and Fixtures Total Restricted Funds (Resolution) Life Membership—Permanent Old Mill Preservation Jethro Coffin Fund Total Restricted Funds (Principal) Ella Starbuck Emma Hayward William Swift Total Restricted Funds (Principal and Interest) Susan E. Brock Will Gardner Total

$18,486.57 8,800.00 4,500.00 4,000.00 10,000.00 1,834.00 5,350.00 500.00 10,000.00 407.92 45,391.92 7,008.22 726.39 459.72 8,194.33 3,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 1,007.50 523.96 1,536.46

Total Assets

83,609.28

Expendable Surplus—Exhibit D Restricted Funds and Capital Surplus—Exhibit D

18,486.57 65,122.71

Total

83,609.28

102

HISTORIC NANTUCKET TREASURER'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

Exhibit B Income and Expenses for the Year Ending May 31, 1960 Department Whaling Museum Fair Street Oldest House Old Mill Old Jail 1800 House General Office Annual Dues Sustaining Interest and Dividends Donations Refunds Miscellaneous Main Street Fete Pamphlets Historic Nantucket Miscellaneous

Income $10,224.78 1,622.50 2,819.40 726.25 511.95 570.95

Expenses $ 6,811.13 3,389.76 1,290.38 901.59 751.54 1,008.99

Net Income or loss * $ 3,413.65 1,767.26* 1,529.02 175.34* 239.59* 438.04*

16,475.82

14,153.39

2,322.44

5,857.53 203.45 47.55

2,536.73 1,011.98 2,098.29 12.05

3,320.80 808.53* 2,050.74* 12.05*

$22,584.36

$19,812.44

$1,508.00 670.00 842.39 65.25 50.30 21.09 2,500.00

Total

$ 2,771.02

Special Projects

Exhibit C Seminar Restoration of Paintings Whaling Museum Basement Franklin Folger Memorial Hose Cart House Whaling Museum Labels Whaling Museum Special Fund Whaling Museum Tree Removal Whaling Museum Doors Old Mill Preservation Total

$ 345.50 200.00 1,086.01 60.00 156.91 200.00

400.00 $ 2,448.42

$ 639.29 200.00 136.46 1,426.36 381.28 224.10 300.08 424.24 504.10 $ 4,235.91 $ 1,787.49*

ANNUAL REPORTS

103

ANALYSIS OF SURPLUS Exhibit D Adjustment of Expendable Surplus Balance, May 31, 1959 Add—Income and Credit adjustments Income from Operations Estate of Elizabeth Fitzgerald Interest General Fund Savings Accounts Adjustment of Special Fund carry over balance

$18,330.66 $ 2,771.92 500.00 134.56 483.39

Total Less—Debit Adjustments To correct Restricted Capital Surplus Inclusion of restricted fund in Expendable Surplus $ 1,650.28 To eliminate Inventory of Pamphlets 296.19 Excess of Expenditures over Income Special Projects—Exhibit C

$ 1,787.49

Balance of Expendable Surplus May 31, 1960

3,889.87 $22,220.53

$ 3,733.96 $18,486.57

Adjustment of Restricted Surplus Balance, May 31, 1959 Add—Credit adjustments Life Membership Interest Savings Accounts of Restricted Funds Jethro Coffin Fund for Oldest House Adjustments as described above Total Less—Debit Adjustments Old Mill Preservation Fund Will Gardner Fund

$63,087.69 $ 350.00 82.48 459.72 1,650.28

2,542.48 $65,630.17

$ 400.00 107.46

Balance of Restricted Surplus May 31, 1960

507.46 $65,122.71

The foregoing Balance Sheet and Summary Statement of Income and Expenses have been prepared after an audit of the Treasurer's Books of Account and certification of Bank Balances. It is my opinion that they reflect the true condition of the Association.

Ormonde F. Ingall, Accountant

104

Gifts and Donors 1959-1960

By MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER, CURATOR

The past year has brought a number of interesting and valuable donations to the Historical Association. Many visitors and friends coming to the Island for the various reunions brought or sent items for our collections. Also a number of local residents remembered us when they found objects of historic interest.

Historical Museum, Fair Street

Backus, Edward—Bell from the door of the "Bake Shop" on "Lower Pearl" Street.

Blackmur, Paul—Diary of David Wood (1867), his great-greatgrandfather.

Boyer, Sherwin—Framed map of the "Burned Area" of the town—1846.

Carlisle, Mrs. G. Lister, in memory of G. Lister Carlisle—Light­ ship basket with three carved ivory whales on cover.

Coffin, Miss Helen—Tristram Coffin's cane having silver plate engraved with family names.

Coffin, Robert Cleveland—Pewter mug, knife and fork made in Nantucket.

Cochran, Mrs. Joseph—China doll's head found in garden of 25 Hussey Street.

Danforth, George—Green china tray showing Main Street before the "fire". Linens.

Duffy, Mrs. Isabel—Coffin Reunion programs and other material.

Dukes County Historical Association—Permanent licenses of Nan­ tucket ships in coastal trade, 1846-1856.

Fisher, Estate of Mary B.—Canton punch pitchers; miniatures of Captain and Mrs. E. H. Fisher.

Gardner, Miss Grace Brown—Postal card album.

Gardner, John J.—Letter, William Lloyd Garrison to Edward Pompey concerning agency for "The Liberator".

Gardner, Dr. William E.—Bound copy, five years of Historic Nantucket.

Greenman, Mrs. Lawrence—Autograph book of Amelia Haden Mills.

ANNUAL REPORTS

105

Howes, Frederick—Three transfer papers of Charles Swain, Lighthouse Service.

Johnson, Curtis—Memoranda of Macy Family Reunion.

Kent, Mrs. Mary—Bill for schooling of Captain Thomas Brown, signed "James M. Bunker".

Lefavor, Mrs. Arthur—Pictures, programs, letter of Civil War era.

Lewis, Dr. Frank—Desk from Pacific Bank; Pump used by Wil­ liam Mitchell.

McCormick-Goodhart, L.—Letter to Samuel and William Hart, Portsmouth, sent by ship Boston, Captain Coffin, via Nan­ tucket.

Orpin, Edgar—Letter press.

Ray, Earl—Ancient lock.

Roberts, Lawrence—Glass pen holder with picture of Siasconset.

Rockwell, Mrs. Samuel—Stereoscopic views of Nantucket.

Sawtelle, Sherman—Three copies of Coffin School "Record".

Selectmen, Nantucket Board of—Records of 300th Anniversary Celebration.

Simmons, Perez, In memory of Mrs. Mary Folger Simmons Cur­ tis—Glass goblets, Gideon Folger's Bible, sampler, Basket, Photographs, data regarding Folger family.

Vincent, Mrs. Margaret Folger—Apron, made in Nantucket.

West, Charles—Green glass, Tristram Coffin seal found in Voorneveld's garden on Madaket Road about 15 years ago.

Young, Harvey—Saw for cutting wide planks.

By Purchase Books—"Hidden America" by Robbins and Jones. "Gayer Gene­ alogy".

Painting on wood by Wendell Macy.

Oldest House

Sibley, C. L.—Corner chair.

1800 House

Brown, Miss Helen—Three hooked rugs.

Bunker, Mrs. Malcolm—Red-checked table cloth.

Chadwick, Mrs. Howard—Quilt.

Grout, Mrs. John—Cabinet, bureau, chest, table, chairs.

106

HISTORIC NANTUCKET Whaling Museum

Barrett, Chester A.—Foot pedal lathe.

Brooks, Miss Mildred—Portrait of Joseph Palmer Sylvia.

Carlisle, Henry—Copies of 69 letters written aboard Coffin whal­ ing ships.

Cartwright, Archibald—Blacksmith's tongs.

Chapel, James E.—Wrench.

Dunham, Nelson 0.—Tools.

Emmons, Mrs. Claude—Tappa cloth.

Gouin, Mrs. Mary—Scrimshaw.

Holden, Mrs. Maria—Cane used by Captain Zenas Coleman, Brig Eunice H. Adams, last whaler to arrive at Nantucket, June 14, 1870.

Levine, Morgan—Blacksmith's stand.

Nantucket Foundation, courtesy of Mr. E. U. Crosby—Bank vault doors and keys.

Norcross, James—Tools.

Pease, Mrs. B. Chester—List of whaling vessels sailing from Nan­ tucket, 1815-1868.

Pease, Francis—Tools.

Powers, Richard—Original drawing for frontispiece of "Yankee Whalers in the South Seas".

Sayle, Charles—Tools.

Silva, Albert—Vise.

Books Gardner, Dr. William E.—"Captain Edward Gardner", Bullard.

Five years, bound copy, of Historic Nantucket with index.

Helflin, Prof. Wilson—"Moby Dick Centennial Essays".

Purchased—"Cradle of Ships", history of the Bath Iron Works.

"Return of Whaling Vessels sailing from American Ports",

by Hogarth and Purrington.

107

Recent Events, Briefly Noted Documentary Memorials of Nantucketers

"Dr. Roy H. Gilpatrick, Surgeon with a Zest for Life", is the third memorial in the series to be on view at the Atheneum Library July 1. The first two memorialized: Charles Selden, International Newspaper Man George Fawcett, "an actor with a thousand faces" Each memorial contains many pictures, documents, university degrees with details of the man receiving them.

Other memorials in process with this series are: Moses Joy, founder of the Island's Water Works.

Frederick Coleman Sanford, Whaling Financier, pres­ ident of the Pacific Bank 22 years.

Edgar Jenney, artist, well remembered for his skill and humor.

The plan for this series of documentary memorials for Nan­ tucketers has developed from a tribute to Charles Selden pre­ pared by Will Gardner, his life-long friend and college mate.

Dr. Will has been aided in preparing these memorials by John and Eva Selden Banks, Margaret Fawcett Barnes, Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick, Lewis S. Davidson, advisor on photographs and pictures, and many others.

0 The Spring Meeting of the Bay State Historical League was held in Framingham on April 23, 1960. Members of the League were guests of the Framingham Historical and Natural History Society. Our president, Mr. Jones, and Mrs. Jones attended the sessions and were impressed with the splendid showing of publi­ cations which are sent out by individual Historical Associations.

One moderator of the Panel Discussions was Col. Laurence L. Bunker a faithful life member of the Nantucket Historical Associ­ ation. Our official delegate to the League, Mrs. Nancy Adams, was unable to attend the meetings, regretfully. On June 18, the League members will be guests at Royall House, Medford, Massa­ chusetts.

108

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Miss Inez J. Gardner, (a direct descendant of Nantucket s first families and an interested member of the Historical Associ­ ation), of Washington, D. C., writes: On Sunday afternoon, Janu­ ary 3, 1960, there was in the crypt of the dome of the Capitol at Washington, an observance of the 167th birthday of Lucretia Coffin Mott.

Members of the National Woman's Party who had been meeting in conference arranged the affair.

The Hon. Frank Coffin, of Maine, who is also of the Nan­ tucket family of Coffins, was prevented by his duties from being present but sent flowers which were placed at the foot of the statue of Lucretia Mott.

Uniformed school girls from a nearby private school paraded, a lovely soprano sang, and a detachment from the Marine Band played.

0 Dr. William E. Gardner, Mr. Thomas J .Hallowell, and Mr. George Jones, committee for the Folger-Franklin Seat and Me­ morial Boulder, have been fortunate in persuading Mrs. Katherine Folger, who has given most generously of her time and money to the project, to assume responsibility for the landscaping about the Seat and grounds.

0 Another Nantucket First!

For the first time in history Nantucket has been eight weeks without a regular and official boat from America. The strike has not been settled and settlement does not appear to be near.

The Bill, H.1213, which Rep. Robert Mooney has presented to the General Court has been passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. This bill eliminates New Bedford as a regular port of call for the official boat line to the Islands from the mainland.

0 The Local History Awards will be reported in the October is­ sue of Historic Nantucket.

109

Marcel E. A. Gouin On May 16, 1960 death took Vice-Admiral Marcel E. A. Gouin from our midst and thereby Nantucket lost one of its most dis­ tinguished citizens, and the Nantucket Historical Association a friend of long standing.

Admiral Gouin (Retired) was Nantucket's highest ranking naval officer and an honored hero of World War II. To navy men he had been known as "the jet-flying admiral", to Nantucketers he was a quiet man, sincere, knowledgeable, always ready to assume his share of community responsibility in a wise and forth­ right manner.

Admiral Gouin was an alumnus of Tabor Academy, a grad­ uate of Annapolis in the class of 1924; he was awarded his avi­ ator's wings in 1929. He served first aboard the carrier ship Lexington, and then followed a long naval career on such famed carriers as the Ranger, Enterprise, Hornet, Saratoga, and the Langley. The Admiralty Islands and Midway were among his last commands before retirement in 1954. His final assignment was Chief of Staff for the Commander of the Air Force in the Pacific. He was awarded the Navy Cross for gallantry at New Guinea and Midway.

Admiral Gouin was Air Officer of the Hornet when that ship was sunk by the Japanese in 1942. A feature article about this sea epic in Life Magazine pictured him directing flight oper­ ations during the fearful sea battle off Santa Cruz Islands. How­ ever, he was of such a retiring nature he never discussed his many decorations or spectacular naval career.

In accordance with the wishes of his mother, Mrs. Mary Gouin, his last resting place is the family plot in the Prospect Hill cemetery. Service was conducted in the Unitarian Church.

Townspeople, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the U. S. Naval Facility gathered in large numbers to show respect to one of our country's most distinguished citizens and naval heroes. .. . "The night is silence under many a star, The ocean shore and the husky whispering waves whose voice I know, And the soul turning to thee 0 vast and well-veil'd death, And the body gratefully nestling close to thee." .. .

—Walt Whitman

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President, George W. Jones.

Vice-Presidents, Burnham N. Dell, Stokeley W. Morgan, Everett U. Crosby,*

Mill, Robert Caldwell; Old Jail, Oswell Small; 1800 House, Mrs. William Mather.

Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Ethel Anderson.

Auditor, Ormonde F. Ingall.

Councillors, George W. Jones, chairman: Mrs. William Mather, Mrs. William Perkins, term expires 1960; Richard J. Porter, Oswell J. Small, term ex­ pires 1961; Robert C. Caldwell, Alma P. Robbins, term expires 1962; Mrs. Franklin Bartlett, Robert E. Deeley, term expires 1963.

Publicity Committee, W. Ripley Nelson, chairman.

Honorary Custodian of Collections, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams.

Custodian of Collections, Mrs. William Mather.

Finance Committee, Stokeley W. Morgan, chairman.

Editor, Historic Nantucket, Miss Alma Robbins; Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Barnes, Mrs. R. A. Orleans, Assistant Editors.

Exhibits' Publications Committee, Burnham N. Dell, chairman; Mrs. John Bartlett, Mrs. William Perkins, Miss Ruth Haviland Sutton.

Chairmen of Exhibits, Fair Street Museum, Mrs. William Mather; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Oldest House, Mrs. William Perkins; Old Mill, Robert Caldwell; Old Jail, Oswell Small; 1800 House, Mrs. William L. Mather.

Mrs. Miss Miss Miss

Chairman Receptionist Substitute receptionist Librarian

William L. Mather Alma P. Robbins Bertha M. Eckert Alice Crocker

Oldest House

Mrs. William Perkins Miss Ethel Clark

Chairman Receptionist The "1800" House

Chairman Receptionist

Mrs. William L. Mather Mrs. Susan M. Cowden The Old Gaol

Chairman Receptionist

Oswell J. Small Chester Faunce The Old Mill

Chairman Receptionist

Robert C. Caldwell John Greene The Whaling Museum

Chairman Custodian Receptionist Librarian Substitute receptionist Substitute receptionist Substitute receptionist * Deceased

W. Ripley Nelson Archibald Cartwright Mrs. Herbert Foye Mrs. Ellen D. Chace Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Bertram Morris Everett Chapel

110

Legacies and Bequests Membership in our Association proves that you are interested in its program for the preservation of Nantucket's famed heritage and its illustrious past, which so profoundly affected the develop­ ment of our country. You can perpetuate that interest by naming the Association to receive a legacy or bequest under your will which will help to insure the Association carrying on in the future. Counsel advises that legacies or bequests to the Nan­ tucket Historical Association are allowable deductions under the Federal Estate Tax law.

Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as di­ rected by the donor. A sample form of bequest may read as follows: FORM OF BEQUEST "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Nantucket Historical Association, a corporation duly in­ corporated by the Commonwealth of Massachu­ setts, and located in the Town of Nantucket, in said Commonwealth, the sum of dollars."

Bequests may be made also in real estate, bonds, stocks, books, paintings, or any objects having historical value in which event a brief description of the same should be inserted instead of a sum of money.

Please send all communications to Miss Ethel Anderson, Secretary, P. 0. Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Office, Fair Street Museum.

Nantucket Historical Association ADMISSION SCHEDULE FOR 1960

The various buildings and museums of the Association will be open officially to the public for the 1960 season on the following schedules.

OPENING SCHEDULE Whaling Museum

Saturday, May 28th

Oldest House Friends Meeting House Historical Museum

j Monday, June 13th 1

j

1800 House Old Mill Old Jail

Monday, June 13th )

WEEKLY AND HOURLY SCHEDULE Whaling Museum Oldest House

j (

Week Days and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friends Meeting House Historical Museum

| /

Week Days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

1800 House old Mill Old Jail

): ' 1

Week Dars

°nly

10 a-m- to 5

P-m-

ADMISSION FEES To all Buildings and Museums (except as noted) 50c per person.

To Old Jail (except as noted) 25c per person.

To Old Mill — Admission free but every visitor is asked to make a donation toward the upkeep of the Old Mill.

All Association Members presenting 1960 and Life Membership Cards admitted free.

All Children under 12 years of age when accompanied by an adult admitted free.

Group Tickets entitling holders to admission to all six exhibits may be had for $1.50 per ticket. Group is defined to mean ten or more persons from any one organization. Group tickets may be obtained at the Whaling Museum reception desk.